Absolute Thai — Restaurant in South Ari Atoll

Visited Absolute Thai with two friends for dinner during our 4-night stay in Dhigurah. We chose this place on our second night after seeing some great reviews online, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to the expectations. We arrived around 7pm and the restaurant was very quiet-just one other couple dining, which wasn’t an issue for us. The atmosphere was calm, but lacked a bit of energy. We ordered drinks, a shared starter, and three mains to share: sweet and sour chicken, beef stir fry, and chicken pad thai. However, when the food arrived, we were served sweet and sour beef and chicken stir fry instead. When we pointed out the mix-up, the waiter didn’t offer any resolution or apology, which was disappointing. We decided not to make a fuss and just went with it. The waiter however did not bother to get on us throughout our meal. Unfortunately, the beef dish wasn’t great- tough and lacking in flavour. The other dishes were okay, but nothing memorable. Considering it's on the pricier side for the island, we expected better quality and service. Not a terrible experience, but not one we’d rush...

We were a party of 5, ordered a sweet&sour whole fish, sweet&sour chicken, tom yum spaghetti (!?). We waited for a very long time, approx 40 min, for the food to come. We saw only one cook in the kitchen, and maybe that was the reason for the wait. There were only 2 other tables with a total of 6 other guests. Many of the things from the menu were not available, but we were not informed in advance before choosing our dish from the menu.

The food was nothing special, the meat of the fish was separated from the fish and cooked in small pieces with some vegetables in a red sauce (tasted ketchup). The bone, the head and the tail were served, and the cooked fish meat with vegetables on the top. Spaghetti were swimming in a tom yum sauce. We are not going to return there. Not worth the wait and not worth the money. Expensive for what is being offered and for the taste...

Dropped by for dinner whilst staying with friends on Dhigurah at the weekend. Great location, although the rain meant we were unable to sit on the area of decking under the palm trees, always another time! Friendly and quick service and excellent food. We had the sweet and sour chicken and our friend had Thai Green curry, good size portions and flavoursome. Both of us had lime juice which was sharp and tangy, just as it should be. Loved the fact that water was served from a glass decanter and not from plastic bottles. Disappointing that they did not have Pad Thai - but apparently should be on the menu by the end of the month. Prices are at the higher end, 500MVR for the two of us, but take into account the location, service, quality and a Thai chef then it is value for money. Will be...